Anaheim police dog shot during standoff more alert, attentive

Police say "Bruno," the veteran K9 that was wounded in an Anaheim shooting, is more alert and attentive now as he recovers.

March 22, 2014 2:02:21 PM PDT

YORBA LINDA, Calif. --

An Anaheim police dog that was shot while protecting officers during a standoff remains in critical condition. But officers who have visited with him say they see life in his eyes, reassuring them that this veteran K9 cop will survive.

Encouraging signs of hope as Anaheim's Police Department K9 "Bruno" is more alert and attentive after being shot.

"That warrior spirit is in him," Officer Brett Klevos said. "He's alive and he is doing everything he can to bounce back."

For fellow K9 Officer Klevos, the bond with his dog "Gunther" is indescribable. It is the same bond Bruno shares with his handler. He says it is gut-wrenching to see the 7-year-old German Shepherd fighting for its life.

"To see that happen and experience it is something tough," Officer Klevos said.

Video shows Bruno just moments before the suspect he was searching for opened fire. Police fired back, killing Robert Moreno, a 21-year-old gang member and parolee.

Bruno, who was shot in the jaw, was rushed to hospital where he underwent 3.5 hours of surgery.

"The bullet past hip, hit one of his bones, and went down through his chest, punctured his lungs on one side," said Dr. Steve Dunbar with Yorba Regional Animal Hospital. "Part of his lung had to be removed."

The department's lead K9, Bruno, has served six years on the force. Klevo says the dogs are more than just partners. They live together, they work together, they are best friends, they are family. They're also willing to put their lives on the line every day.

Bruno's brave actions have saved the lives of at least three officers. They call him a true hero.

"There is so much more and far better vocabulary that I don't have to fully describe the heroism and the valor that he displayed that day and that he continues to display as he battles through," Officer Klevos said.

Bruno is not out of the woods yet. But they did see encouraging signs Friday night.

He could still face more surgery and then there is that long recovery -- at least six weeks in the hospital.